Karmactive Team
Ford Motor Company has unveiled its latest venture into the electric vehicle space—but this time on two wheels instead of four. The automotive giant has partnered with cycling company N+ to release electric bikes inspired by two of its most iconic nameplates: the Mustang and the Bronco.
The new e-bikes aim to translate the spirit of these legendary vehicles onto pedal-powered platforms. Tyler Hill, Ford’s global brand licensing manager is of the opinion that these new e-bikes will allow more people to experience the adventurous spirit of a Bronco and the exhilaration of a Mustang from the moment they grip the handlebars.
Technical Specifications
Both the Mustang and Bronco e-bikes share some core components:
- Motor: 750W hub-mounted
- Torque: 85 Nm (Bronco) / 63 lb-ft (Mustang)
- Top speed: 28 mph (45 km/h)
- Range: 60 miles (96 km)
- Battery: 720 Wh
- Charge time: approximately 3.5 hours
- Brakes: Four-piston hydraulic disc brakes
The bikes feature a full-color LCD display integrated into the handlebars, showing speed, battery life, and range information. Both models also include front and rear LED lights for improved visibility.
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Mustang E-Bike: Built for the Road
Priced starting at $4,000, the Mustang e-bike is geared towards on-road performance. Key features include:
- Pirelli Angel GT semi-slick tires
- Air-sprung front and rear shocks
- Styling cues from the Mustang car, including triple-bar tail lights and pony badges
Ford claims the Mustang e-bike offers “handling that mimics the iconic sports car,” though potential buyers should temper expectations about achieving muscle car-like cornering on two wheels.
Bronco e-bike: ready for off-road adventures
The Bronco e-bike starts at $4,500 and is designed for all-terrain use. Its features include:
- Pirelli Scorpion Enduro M hard wall tires
- Heavy-duty dual suspension with motocross-style rear linkage and trailing arm
- G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) suspension system
- Motorcycle-inspired single-piece seat
- Four power assist modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Baja
Weight and Customization
Both e-bikes tip the scales at just over 30 kg (68 lbs). While each model comes in a standard color (Carbonized Gray Metallic for Mustang, Area 51 Blue for Bronco), customers can choose from 10 additional colors for an extra $390.
Market Context
Ford’s entry into the e-bike market follows a trend of automotive manufacturers expanding into two-wheeled electric vehicles. Companies like BMW, Ducati, and Harley-Davidson have all released e-bikes or electric motorcycles in recent years.
The global e-bike market is experiencing rapid growth, with some analysts projecting it to reach $118.6 billion by 2030, according to a report by Allied Market Research. This expansion is driven by increasing urban congestion, environmental concerns, and advancements in battery technology.
Critical Considerations
While Ford’s new e-bikes leverage strong brand recognition, they enter a crowded market with established players. The relatively high price points may limit mass-market appeal, especially considering that many e-bikes from dedicated cycling brands offer similar specifications at lower costs.
Additionally, some automotive purists may view these e-bikes as brand dilution, similar to the controversy surrounding the Mustang Mach-E electric SUV. However, Ford likely sees this as an opportunity to expand its reach in the growing electric mobility sector.
Availability
The Ford Mustang and Bronco e-bikes are available for order now, with deliveries expected to begin later in 2024. As with many new product launches in the current global supply chain environment, actual delivery dates may be subject to change.
In conclusion, Ford’s foray into e-bikes represents an intriguing blend of automotive heritage and electric mobility trends. While the success of these models remains to be seen, they undoubtedly offer a unique option for consumers looking to experience a bit of Ford’s performance legacy in a more compact, eco-friendly package.
